Zofran for Nausea

Jennifer Eckert

Quick question for all you WSM's out there... has anyone had any experience with using Zofran for nausea and if so how did you use it? What dosage and what time during Ironman.” 

Thanks!!

Al Truscott

Even though I'm a physician, I'm kind of a nihilist when it comes to prescription medication. Maybe all those years seeing the things that can go wrong even when meds are properly prescribed and taken. This goes double during an Ironman, when there's so much other stress the body is trying to deal with. Zofran is a POTENT drug - it was initially developed for cancer patients who were not handling chemo well. Not intended as a first line option for simple nausea.

So, my thinking is, if you're experiencing nausea during prolonged physical activity like all day training or an Ironman, try to figure out and eat with the root cause, rather than masking it with something that might cause even more problems.

Jacklyn Moore

Agree with Al.  Double check your fat and fiber intake the couple days before. Zofran is not a joke. It paralyzes your gut. Not something to do during a race.

Mark Maurer

I carry peppermint tums with me on the bike and the run in case of tummy distress. Peppermint also has a mild stimulant effect that is useful later in the race. It works well for me on both accounts, but more important is training with what you're going to eat and drink on the course so your body can get used to it.

robin sarner

definitely NO to the Zofran.    or any prescription nausea medication.    dangerous drugs.      family physician here.

Jennifer Eckert

Thanks for all the great advice!

rlh2000

I am a big fan of ginger for nausea. I've had Trader Joe's candied ginger (sweet but pretty potent ginger) in my special needs at all my Ironmans and I think it helps. If nothing else, it is a nice change for the palate from all the other sweet stuff you are ingesting!

Jennifer Eckert

Ooh! Good idea..love ginger!

Bill Manard

Another FP MD saying avoid the Zofran and go with the ginger!

William Crawford

As a final word of caution, be careful taking candy (medicine) from a stranger. At IMMD two years ago I has stomach distress. Another athlete (who identified himself as a doctor) offered me "something" for my stomach and said he was taking it and it would eliminate any stomach issues. I am fortunate enough to be married to a critical care nurse and have learned not to put anything in my body unless I know exactly what I am taking. I questioned the doctor about the medicine and he advised me it was Zofran. I politely declined.

Jennifer Eckert

Thanks everyone, a friend had asked me about its use and not knowing, I figured I'd tap into a wealth of smarts with my EN family! Very good advice and I've passed this info on to her. Me...I don't like taking anything other than tums or the ginger! I think I'd rather barf, slow down or walk if it got that bad! Thanks for your insights!!

Brent Bills

I have used Zofran, but only while going through chemotherapy. Zofran is very strong, it also causes constipation. Not sure I would want the side effects while competing in an ironman. The chemo and subsequent abdominal surgery damaged my stomach and I suffer from nausea and acid issues during and after an ironman event. I have working with coach Patrick and my doctor, I have learned to deal with this through hydration, salt tabs, and an acid blocker such as zertec. I hope this is helpful.